Mother's Day (From a Practical Mom)

Mother's Day is right around the corner. I know some of you may be saying "this is just another Hallmark holiday where we need to love-bomb all the moms because social norms tells us to" or "every day is Mother's Day".

Well if that were true- then every day should be your birthday, and everyday should be Christmas, and every day should be Taco Day. I hope you get my point- we have these special days to be extra intentional about celebrating the people (or food) we love.

Now I do not call myself a minimalist, I would say more of a practical-ist (is that even a word?). I do not keep many things in my home unless they are overly useful or practical. In my house you won't find much for sentimental art work, seasonal decor, nick-knacks, to be used once-in-a-while appliances, or any fine china. We use our things as they are intended daily and don't save the good stuff only for special occasions.

If you consider yourself (or your wife, or mom, or other mother figures in your life) a practical person, then keep reading for some tips on Mother's Day.

Tip # 1: Mom's don't want stuff. They want to feel honored, loved, cherished, and thought of on this day. Before you go and buy her something from the Target Mother's Day display, please ask your Mom what makes her feel honored, loved, cherished, and thought of. You might just find a plethora of things to do for her (and yes maybe some gift ideas too) for the years and holidays to come.

Tip # 2: Moms desire experiences and adventure over material things. Consider taking her on a day trip filled with her favorite places, favorite foods, and favorite people. You could go to her favorite coffee shop, followed by a trip to a local garden center to let her pick out flowers, then maybe join some family for a lunch out at her favorite restaurant. For me, this looks like a trip to Duluth to enjoy some good food, ice cream, and a glorious lake walk with my Husband and children.

Tip # 3: Gift cards are a great option! Especially if you are far away from Mom, let her pick out her own practical gift with a gift card to her favorite restaurant, clothing store, makeup store, book store, coffee shop, hair salon, nail salon, or garden center, etc. Again, its the thought that counts - so make sure you are in tune and ask her where her favorite places are (don't just play eeny meeny miny moe in the gift card isle).

Tip # 4: If you are stubborn on getting her a gift, make sure it is something useful and intentional. Here are some things I recommend:

• A bouquet of her favorite flowers. Again- it's the thought that counts, so learn her favorite flowers and colors.

• Cozy PJs. If your mom is like me, we don't often splurge on ourselves. Some of my favorite PJs are the "Stars Above" brand sets from Target. They are buttery soft and machine washable/dryer safe.

• Her favorite skin care products. Unsure which kind? Please just ask her and don't guess. I personally love the Olay Regenerist moisturizer.

• Her favorite makeup products. Again, we often don't splurge on this, so please just ask her what her favs are. I love the TULA Skin Care Eye Balm which helps hydrate, and reduce puffiness, and brightens dark under eye marks and also leaves a amazing tingly (minty) feel when applied.

• Her favorite brand mug/thermos/water bottle. I love the Simply Modern Tumblers from Target. They come in so many fun colors and are used daily in my home (for iced coffee or water).

• Her favorite dessert, pastry, or guilty pleasure food item. This is again where you need ask her and learn. For me I cannot resist a good blueberry turnover for breakfast or a guilt free Chipotle run for lunch with all the chips and queso my heart desires.

Tip # 5: Do not purchase your mom any of the following items, unless she explicitly asks for them:

• Home decor items, coffee mugs, or nick-knacks with "best mom ever" plastered across them.

• Kitchen appliances or kitchen tools (mixing bowls, spoons, utensils, serving dishes)

• Exercise equipment

• House cleaning supplies or equipment

• Coupon books

• Homemade items from the kids

At the end of the day- what counts most is making mom feel honored, loved, cherished, and thought of. This takes intentionality- having a conversation with her about her life, her interests, her likes an dislikes.

To all the moms out there - Happy Mother's Day! YOU ROCK!

"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." - Proverbs 31:31